Effect of β-TCP Powder Derived from Biomaterials on Regeneration of the Femoral Bone Defects in Rabbits

Abstract

he current study evaluated the bone healing process of the β-TCP powder to treat experimentally induced bone defects in rabbit models. The β-TCP powder was prepared using the chemical method, which is characterized by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) . After that, the β-TCP was converted into powder by applying mechanical compression pressure. Thirty (30) healthy New Zealand male rabbits were divided equally into two groups: the treated group and the control group. The previously prepared β-TCP powder filled the experimentally induced sagittal split fractures at the mid-shaft of the femoral bone in the group treated, while in the control group, the induced bone gaps were left without any treatment. The histopathological results showed normal bone marrow tissue with bone tissue regeneration that extended from both ends of the defect with active osteoblasts toward the powder in the treated group, while in the control group, there was a formation of hyaline cartilage surrounded by trabecular bone along with granulation tissue infiltrated with inflammatory cells, which surrounded the fracture location. The bone marrow examination showed the presence of Megakaryocytes and an increase in erythroid to myeloid in the treated group compared to the control group. The statistical analysis showed a significant increase (P<0.0001) in new bone tissue formation in the treated group as compared with the control group during eight months following surgery. The fibrous tissue formation increased significantly (P<0.0001) in the control group compared to the treated group. Moreover, the current work indicated that the β-TCP powder can be used as a bioactive material for bone tissue regeneration, but it requires more time to be resorbed.